NCAA Basketball: Top 25 offseason winners entering 2024-25 season

No. 6 - St. John’s Red Storm: Landing the coveted Kadary Richmond

Of all the many players who entered the NCAA transfer portal, one can easily argue that Kadary Richmond was the top player available.

Richmond, who averaged 15.7 PPG, seven RPG and 5.1 APG at Seton Hall last season, is among the more intriguing guards in college basketball. At 6-foot-6, the All-Big East First-Team selectee is a physical, proven scorer and contributor at the Big East level, even posting a triple-double against Creighton (21, 11, 11) in January. What makes Richmond unique is that thanks to his taller frame, he can craft his way into the paint with forceful finishes at the rim.

Now sporting red and white in Queens, Richmond is the big-time piece Rick Pitino needed as he looks to take St. John’s to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019 and grab its first NCAA Tournament win since 2000.

Pairing Richmond alongside Utah transfer Deivon Smith and Big East breakout candidate Simeon Wilcher is an electrifying backcourt for Pitino to work with in year two at the helm. With arguably the top player from the portal setting foot in Queens, the Red Storm are easily among the biggest offseason winners entering the 2024-25 college basketball season.